Spirit Airlines Big Front Seat- Is It Worth It?

When one thinks of a low-cost carrier, comfort and large seats usually do not come to mind. However, Spirit Airlines is one low-cost carrier that its own version of extra-legroom seats. Spirit Airlines’ “Big Front Seat” is similar to a domestic first class seat, however, the product does lack several key features.

Spirit Airlines is a well-known low-cost carrier in the United States. Photo: Airbus

A review of Spirit’s Big Front Seat

For $50, I upgraded my flight from Austin, Texas to Baltimore, Maryland to Spirit’s Big Front Seat. As a low-cost carrier, I was curious as to exactly how Spirit’s Big Front Seat compared to domestic U.S. first class seats.

After an early morning drive, I arrived at Austin Bergstrom International Airport just over two hours before my flight. Although a small airport with a rising presence, I wanted to get to the airport early due to the impending, busiest post-Thanksgiving travel day. It took me about thirty minutes to clear security and then I headed straight to the gate.

Advertisement:

Featured Video:

Boarding started about fifteen minutes late due to a delayed flight inbound. However, the gate agents boarded us quickly. Fewer people traveling with carry-on bags definitely helped.

In terms of size and legroom, the seat was similar to that of a standard, recliner-style first class seat on any other American airline. I could comfortably stretch out while having my backpack stored under the seat in front of me. I elected to pay to check my bag since it was cheaper than a carry-on. However, there was plenty of room in the overhead bins for carry-on bags.

Spirit Big Front Seat legroom. Photo: Jay Singh – Simple Flying

However, there were two noticeable shortcomings of the seat. First off, Spirit Airlines does not offer any power outlets. Since entertainment is on a bring-your-own basis, I would have appreciated having power to charge my device. Especially since there were no power outlets in the gate area either. Definitely bring a power bank or fully charged devices prior to flight!

Advertisement:

Secondly, the seat was “pre-reclined”. Basically, it means that the seat does not recline and what you see is what you get. I definitely would have appreciated some recline, but it is cheaper for the airline to install pre-recline seats which helps keep the cost of a flight ticket down for travelers.

Food and beverage

Everything, even water, comes at a cost on Spirit Airlines. Each seat came with a seatback menu.

Pricing did not seem too exorbitant, although bringing your own snacks definitely would be cheaper. I ordered a Coke and the “FlyFit Protein Mix”. Even though it is not true first class, I still had to have a soda and slightly warm nuts!

Advertisement:

Nuts and soda are about what I would enjoy on a First Class flight. Photo: Jay Singh – Simple Flying

The cost definitely was worth it. I was not expecting the nut mixture to be as large as it was. A number of people passed on purchasing any food or beverage which sped up the service.

Is the Big Front Seat worth it?

The upcharge for a Big Front Seat is usually pretty reasonable for a larger seat, more legroom, and quick deplaning. However, the lack of some perks definitely sets this product apart from any other first class product.

No free baggage (even carried on), a lack of power outlets, and no complimentary food or beverage definitely remind you that you’re on a low-cost carrier which derives a significant amount of its revenue from ancillary fees. While Spirit is working on getting WiFi, this aircraft did not have any WiFi connectivity.

The Big Front Seat does not have all the perks of a traditional First Class flight. Photo: Spirit Airlines

Ultimately, the cost of a Big Front Seat is definitely worth it if you do not care so much about all the perks from a full-service carrier. After my first-ever flight with Spirit, I was not turned away from the carrier and definitely would consider it for future flights.

Deputy Content Manager - Jay’s extensive travels and experience of premium products has given him incredible insight into the wider landscape of commercial aviation. Cited by TIME and Intelligent Aerospace, among others, Jay’s focus on route planning and fleet developments allows him to dig deeper into the stories behind the headlines. Based in Washington DC, United States. Follow him on social media for all his latest travel updates.